Embiid urges Simmons to continue taking mid-range shots

At 22 years old, Ben Simmons is one of the most electric young players in the Association today - even though his shooting range barely extends past the length of his arm.

More than 90 percent of Simmons' 444 shot attempts so far this season have come within nine feet of the hoop. From that advantageous position, the Philadelphia 76ers point forward has shot 61.5 percent, according to the NBA's official stats page.

Beyond that range, however, the frequency and efficiency of Simmons' shooting output tails off dramatically. After missing both of his mid-range attempts in the 76ers' 106-100 victory over the visiting Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, the reigning Rookie of the Year has connected on just 9 of 44 shots (20.5 percent) from beyond 10 feet this season.

Still, Simmons' superstar running mate, Joel Embiid, doesn't see anything wrong with the youngster working to expand his shooting range on game day, even as the shots continue to miss their mark.

"He hasn’t been making it, but he’s been taking it. That’s what matters," Embiid said after the game, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey. "I shot 30 percent from three, but guys still jump when I shot-fake. ... Just because you take them, people are compelled to guard that.

"So he’s got to keep on taking them, and naturally, it’s going to go in."

The 22-year-old Simmons, who's yet to attempt a three this season, still finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists against the Mavericks, his 18th career triple-double.